Door and drawer pull



Oct. 22, 1963 R. M. ENGELBRECHT 3,107,389

DOOR AND DRAWER PULL 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed Aug. 15, 1960 INVENTOR. #05567 M mazfiza i 4770mm rs United States Patent 3,107,389 DOOR AND DRAWER PULL Robert Martin Engelbrecht, P.0. Box 184, Rocky Hill, NJ.

Original application Aug. 15, 1960, Ser. No. 49,653, now

Patent No. 3,066,004, dated Dec. 27, 1962. and this application Apr. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 110,288

3 Claims. (Cl. 16-124) This invention relates to universal furniture construction whereby a full and complete line of furniture units is effectively realized; and this application is a division of application Serial No. 49,653 filed August 15, 1960 for which US. Patent No. 3,066,004 was granted on December 27, 1962.

As its principal object, the present invention provides for novel extruded handles for opening and closing the drawers and doors of furniture units.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention, which is to be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a furniture unit incorporating the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of an extruded handle, contemplated by the present invention, associated with a door;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a similar handle employed with a drawer; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 6.

In the illustrated furniture unit 130, a frame is provided comprising four corner posts 140, 142, 144 and 146. In addition, an upper and lower set of braces are included with the upper set of braces having a front rail 152, back rail 154 and a pair of side rails one of which is designated by numeral 156. The lower set of braces, completing the basic frame, will include front rail 162, back rail 164 and side rails one of which is designated by numeral 166.

The basic frame is further amplified in order to adapt itself to the functionality intended in arriving at the finished furniture unit. Under the circumstances, to accommodate both of the single module width drawers 132 and 134, a front rail 172 and back rail 17.4 are utilized. These rails are identical, respectively, with rails 152 and 154. A pair of side rails one of which is designated by numeral 176 are also provided, side rail 176 being identical to the side rail 166.

As will be observed, the, terminal ends of the front rail 172 share'the notch 42 of vertical post 140 and the corresponding notch of vertical post 146, with projections 108 of side rail 176 and the projection of the companion siderail, respectively. Similarly, the end of back rail 174 cooperates with projection 106 of the side rail Divided 176 in sharing notch 72 of vertical post 142. The corresponding notch of post 144 is similarly shared. .The mortise and tenon joints of this set of braces will cause their proper interengagement and their desired couplings -with the vertical posts. i

similar to the side braces of standardized construction for the present invention and is in itself a standardized frame member employed when the functionality of the particular furniture unit dictates its presence. This is usually the case intermediate the sides of a unit of more than 1- module width when a change of function is present across the furniture width. This cross-brace, as disclosed in the above referenced application, is initially of generally rectangular cross section and is provided with a pair of milled-out, longitudinally extending sectors. Thus, the drawer 132 will ride in milled-out sector 104 of side rail 176 and the opposed milled-out sector of this cross-brace 180. On the other, hand, the drawer 134 will be similarly disposed, as disclosed in the above referenced application.

In order to properly mount drawer 136 on the frame and, at the same time, provide a compartment accessible by means of hinged door 141, a pair of vertical center posts 200 and 202 are advantageously employed. These center posts may be substantially identical and include spaced notches. They are usually utilized to receive the projecting ends of cross-braces, if the functionality of the particular furniture unit dictates such an interengagement. The spacing of the notches of the center posts correspond with that present in the vertical corner posts, so that a coplanar relationship may be established upon the incorporation of the necessary rails and cross-braces.

In order to properly mount the drawer 136, a front rail, back rail, center rail and side rail are provided, as disclosed in the above referenced application.

In order to properly receive the drawer 138, the frame is additionally provided with a cross-brace having two milled-out, longitudinally extending sectors, as disclosed in the above referenced application. Under the circumstances, the tenon 190 of cross-brace 220 will be disposed in the mortise 94 of the bottom front rail 162 with the associated end projection 194 of this cross-brace disposed on top of such front rail and in the notch 210 of the center post 200, as illustrated. In this connection, the notch 210 of both center posts 200 and 202 will be reduced in length, as a result of the end cutting, to neatly embrace the projecting ends of the cross-brace 220, in accordance with the standardized design theme of the present invention. Accordingly, the other projection 196 of cross-brace 220 will be disposed on the rear bottom rail 164 with the associated tenon 192 disposed in the mortise 94 of this rail. The projection 196 will, of course, be within the confines of the bottom notch 210 of the center post 202. As will be evident therein, the deeper drawer 138 will ride in milled-out sector of the side rail and milled-out sector of cross-brace of the frame.

Turning now to the hinged door 141 and the compartment to which access is provided by such door, it will be noted that a panel 224 is employed of generally rectangular configuration for finishing part of the interior of the compartment so that the adjacent sides of the drawers as well as their associated frame members are not visible. Similarly, another rectangular panel 226 is disposed in the respective milled-out sector of side rail 166 and of the companion cross-brace 220, and is also supported by the front rail 162 and back rail 164, substantially as shown, for finishing the bottom interior of the compartment, as disclosed in the above referenced application.

For the particular furniture unit under consideration; the interior is completed by the external surfacing employed, and, therefore, specific reference is now made .to such external surfacing and finishing. A substantially rectangular top panel 230 rests upon the front and back rails 152 and 154, side rails (not shown), as well as the upper ends of the corner posts 140, 142, 144 and 146.

'A substantially rectangular back panel 232 is anchored to both the back rails 154 and 164 and, at the same time, is disposed in the longitudinally extending milled-out sectors 66 and 36 of the respective rear corner posts 142 and 144. A pair of substantially rectangular side panels 234 and 236 serve to enclose the sides and thereby complete the enclosure and surfacing of the exterior of the furniture unit 130. The side panel 234 is anchored to the side rails 156 and 166 and is disposed in the milledout sectors 68 and 38 of vertical posts 142 and 140, respectively. The side panel 136, on the other hand, is secured to the side rails 158 and 168 and is similarly disposed in the milled-out sectors 38 and 68, respectively, of vertical posts 144 and 146.

With reference to the specific construction of the drawers 132, 134 and 136, it should be appreciated that they are substantially, in all respects, identical. Therefore, like numerals will be applied to designate like parts. Thus, it will be observed that each of these drawers include a front panel 240, a rear panel 242, side panels 244 and 246 and bottom panel 248. The bottom panel is adapted to be conveniently received by longitudinally extending slots 249 in the respective panels 242, 244, 240 and 246. A connector 250 serves to conveniently join the ends of the front and rear panels 240 and 242 to the associated ends of the side panels 244 and 246. Aside from the increased dimensioning of the front, back and side panels to obtain the desired increase in depth, drawer 138 is essentially identical to the drawers described in detail in the foregoing.

Turning now to the door 141, it will be noted that frame members 230, 282, 284 and 286 are interconnected through mortise-and-tenon type of joints to provide a box-like frame embracing and supporting therebetween a substantially rectangular panel 288. The peripheral edges of the panel 288 are disposed in longitudinally extending slots precut out of the frame members 280, 282, 284 and 286, substantially as shown. The frame members 282 and 286 are, respectively, adapted to overlie the exposed outer edges of the front rails 162 and 172, while, at the same time, the frame members 230 and 284 are adapted to be disposed against the center post 200 and milled-out sector 36 of vertical post 140, respectively. A pair of hinges 290 and 292 serve to provide the desired connection of the door 141 and corner post 140.

As explained, the present invention contemplates the provisions for extruded drawer and door pulls or handles 296 which can be cut to any desired length to accomplish the suggested purpose, as Well as contributing to the flexibility of appearance of the line. These pulls 296 include a hand gripping strip or flange 298 and stem 300 integrally, as well as normally, disposed with respect to one another. A flange or strip 302 extends perpendicularly from the terminal edge of the leg 300 and is adapted to be inserted in a longitudinally extending slot 304 located along the upper edge of the front panel of a drawer or a longitudinally extending slot 306 of a door, whether it be of the hinged or sliding type. These slots are a standard structural formation in the furniture line under consideration. A strip or flange 308 extends normally from leg 300 and is located intermediate leg 298 and flange 302. The strip 308 is adapted to embrace the outer face of the member to which it is attached and cooperates with flange 302 in anchoring the pull 296 to the drawer or door, as the case may be. Teeth or serrations 310 are provided on the inner face of the flange 302, as shown, with teeth possessing a bevel such that the flange 302 can be readily inserted into the slot in which it is to be disposed, while, at the same time, bite into the adjacent wood surface to prevent removal or disattachment of the handle 296 by other than deliberate force or pressures. Quite obviously, the handle 296 may be removed deliberately and relocated without marring the external face of or surfaces of the member to which it is attached. It should be evident that, when the handle 296 functions as a drawer pull or a handle for a hingedly mounted door, the leg 298 need only be grasped to effect the desired shifting of the drawer or hinged door, as is the case. If the pull or handle 296 is anchored to a sliding door such as that incorporated into the furniture unit 122, the outer face of leg 300 is employed as a force transmitting or pressure-receiving surface in opening the mounting door. Then, the leg 298 can be suitably grasped and suitable force supplied to the exposed inner faces of leg 300 to effect the closing of such doors.

From the above, it should be apparent that the design theme is subtly modern in line and, at the same time, presents a traditional feeling in materials and details. The panelized ends and leg posts are reminiscent of much early American period furniture. Further traditionalizing of the details is found in the especially designed door panel inserts. A selection suggested by the present invention is in the nature of a cane texture. The exact size of the texture is derived to give strong eye appeal. The texture should not be too small, for it would then have less shadow surface, and, at a distance, would have or would appear bland. The hardware suggested for the present invention, such as the connectors and pulls, are of a snap-in construction whereby permanent attachment is obtainable through relatively easy installation by the customer after the furniture has been delivered. There is no loss of hardware through loosening, nor marring by scratching or rubbing. In addition, customizing the appearance of each piece of cased goods is not confined alone to finishing but the location of the hard ware or the amount of hardware can give a distinctive individual appearance. The attaching reglet for the pull hardware is subtly concealedin the drawer or door edge. If the customer prefers some other styling in hardware, the drawers and door fronts have no factory drilled holes that would dictate type or location of his personalized hardware. The interlocking construction of the frame, for example, produces a much higher strength for weight factor. Obviously, there is a higher selectivity of lumber stock and the possibility of wider use of engineered plastic accessories. In this connection, further hardware can include drawer guides, drawer bumpers, leg guides, etc., which can readily be formed from resinous materials.

It should be apparent that the aforementioned objects and advantages are most effectively attained. Under such circumstances, it should be understood that the present invention is in no sense limited by the specific embodiment disclosed herein, but is to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An extruded handle cut to a selected predetermined length for effecting the manual shifting of a movable part of a furniture unit and providing preselected decorative trim therefor, said handle having a substantially uniform cross-section throughout which comprises a stem and an integral laterally extending hand gripping strip, a first flange extending transversely and integrally from the stem, a second flange extending transversely and integrally from said stem and being spaced from said first flange, and the opposed faces of each flange being so constructed and arranged to cooperate in securely embracing said movable part to grip said handle thereto and permit said part to be manually shifted.

2. An extruded handle cut to a selected predetermined length for effecting the manual shifting of a movable part of a furniture unit and providing preselected decorative trim therefor, said handle having a substantially uniform cross-section throughout which comprises a stem and an integral hand grasping flange extending normally from one end thereof in a first direction, a first strip extending normally and integrally from the other end of said stem in said first direction parallel to said flange, a second integral strip extending from said stem in said first direction intermediate said first strip and said flange being substantially parallel thereto and the opposed faces of said strips being so constructed and arranged to cooperate in securely embracing said movable part to couple said handle thereto and permit said part to be manually shifted.

3. The invention, in accordance with claim 1, wherein 5 6 the face of said first strip opposed to said second strip 591,275 Horn Oct. 5, 1897 is serrated such that said strips are permitted to embrace 1,788,883 Madsen J an. 13, 1931 said movable part and secure said handle thereto. 2,509,037 Flicker May 23, 1950 2,601,476 Weatherstone June 24, 1952 References Cited in the file of this patent 5 2,992 055 Kass July 11, 19 1 UNITED STATES PATENTS O PATENTS 111841180 Levey 30, 1958 55 ,5 3 Canada ar. 18, 1958 

1. AN EXTRUDED HANDLE CUT TO A SELECTED PREDETERMINED LENGTH FOR EFFECTING THE MANUAL SHIFTING OF A MOVABLE PART OF A FURNITURE UNIT AND PROVIDING PRESELECTED DECORATIVE TRIM THEREFOR, SAID HANDLE HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY UNIFORM CROSS-SECTION THROUGHOUT WHICH COMPRISES A STEM AND AN INTEGRAL LATERALLY EXTENDING HAND GRIPPING STRIP, A FIRST FLANGE EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY AND INTEGRALLY FROM THE STEM, A SECOND FLANGE EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY AND IN- 